10 tips for a safe holiday season

Oct 25, 2016 10:22AM
● By Neighbors Magazines

With winter weather and the holiday season fast approaching,
many people are preparing for family festivities and good cheer. The increased
risk of home fires during the holiday season is often overlooked. Holiday
activities such as cooking, decorating and candle usage significantly
contribute to the seasonal causes of home fires. Did you know that the top
three days for home candle fires are Christmas, New Year’s Day and Christmas
Eve according to data from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)?
Here are some quick tips to help keep the season festive and safe for
everybody.

• If you have an artificial tree, be sure it’s labeled,
certified or identified by the manufacturer as fire-retardant.

• If you choose a fresh tree, make sure the green needles
don’t fall off when touched; before placing it in the stand, cut 2" from
the base of the trunk. Add water to the tree stand, and be sure to water it
daily.

• Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit, and is at
least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, space heaters,
radiators, candles and heat vents or lights.

• Use lights that have the label of a recognized testing
laboratory, and make sure you know whether they are designed for indoor or
outdoor use.

• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords, or
loose bulb connections. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of light
strands to connect.

• Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.

• Consider using flameless candles, which look and smell
like real candles. If you use traditional candles, keep them at least 12"
away from anything that can burn, and remember to blow them out when you leave
the room.

• Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving the
home or going to bed.

• After Christmas, get rid of the tree. Dried-out trees are
a fire hazard and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside
the home.

• Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays
to prevent hazards and make them last longer.

Keeping these fire prevention tips and safety measures in
mind can greatly reduce the risk of fire in your home this holiday season. For
more information, visit nfpa.org/holiday.